At this time of year, in a fresh decade, people are setting resolutions and crafting long lists of goals to only give up on them the following day. Practicing and perfecting your public speaking and communication skills is a long-term commitment, one with excellent pay-offs. Setting and achieving your goals short and long-term will aid in implementing the positive tips and practices you learn. Each small success will immediately impact your speaking performance and confidence. Take a quiet moment to follow these steps to create relevant, measurable, achievable goals.
- Evaluate Your Situation: How do you feel when you speak publically? What are your fears or reservations about public speaking? When you see a great speaker what do you admire about them?
- Decide What Areas to Focus On: What would help you feel more comfortable speaking? When you receive feedback from colleagues or mentors what do they say? What areas of making presentations or speaking publically do you have the most challenge with?
- List All Factors and People Involved: What are the factors involved in making a great presentation ( ex: time, relationship with audience, introduction )? What are the components you need to have a great presentation or feel comfortable speaking? What individuals are involved when you speak publically (ex: the audience, clients, other presenters)?
Now reviewing your answers you should have a better grasp on what you’d like your outcome. When you begin to list goals to get you there remember to have a measurable component and a plan of action. This could include getting help from mentors, feedback from colleagues or family members or setting a strict schedule. Creating a detailed plan of action and enlisting others to help will keep you accountable and on track.
For a little inspiration to get you kick-started here is a great quote from novelist Haruki Murakami’s inspiring memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.
“My time, the rank I attain, my outward appearance — all of these are secondary. For a runner like me, what’s really important is reaching the goal I set myself, under my own power. I give it everything I have, endure what needs enduring, and am able, in my own way, to be satisfied.”
If you are looking for support in setting or reaching your public speaking goals for 2010 contact me at info@releaseyourvoice.com or call 604-240-4555.